Alex Tait, 17, from Sheffield, an inspirational young racing driver has been appointed as Event Ambassador for The Mobility Roadshow, incorporating Get Going Live! at Silverstone Circuit, Northants. 26-28th May.
Alex, who lives with the hereditary muscle wasting condition, Myotonic Dystrophy, has been passionate about motorsport since the age of 9 when he was given the rare opportunity to drive a Ferrari 360 and decided that his future lay in motorsport. He is thrilled that The Mobility Roadshow will be making its debut at Silverstone this year – allowing visitors to experience accessible driving on the famous Grand Prix Circuit.
Organised by charity Mobility Choice, the free-to-attend Mobility Roadshow is the UK’s premier consumer focussed event for people of all ages living with restricted mobility. Visitors have the unique opportunity to test drive adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS) around the famous motorsport circuit. Plus, inside the Silverstone Wing, a diverse showcase of mobility products, including wheelchairs, scooters and trikes, will be available for hands on demonstrations. The Mobility Roadshow displays the largest range of specialist adapted driving controls at any UK event focused on independent mobility.
As Event Ambassador, Alex is particularly keen to champion the event to young people living with disabilities, based on his own personal experience. He first attended the Mobility Roadshow in 2013 where he discovered the Loughborough Car Club Scholarship at Get Going Live! which provided him with an opening into motorsport. Subsequently, Alex has been a keen advocator of the Get Going Live! feature which focuses on the specific needs of young and novice drivers with disabilities, age 15 plus. Opening up a new world of driving to younger generations, Get Going Live! provides free test drives in the safe presence of a professional driver, the chance to try an impressive range of adapted controls and even take a mock theory test.
Alex comments: “When I attended the 2013 Get Going Live! everything escalated from there and I subsequently won a disabled driver’s scholarship to compete for a season in Autosolos and Autotests. In early 2014, I took my ARDS (racing licence) test and passed. I have raced in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship for the past two years and this year I finished 4th in the rookie championship. In 2016, I am competing in the Pre-2003 Production Touring Car Championship, in the Finsport prepared Honda Civic Type R.”
Alex, who has been one of only 20 to be accepted on the Motor Sports Association (MSA) Academy program in Loughborough, believes living with Myotonic Dystrophy does not hold him back but in fact drives him to tackle things he wants to do and helps achieves his goals. As Event Ambassador he hopes he can encourage other young people to visit The Mobility Roadshow and Get Going Live! and discover for themselves the amazing free opportunities on offer.
Alex comments: “Get Going Live! is a show that is very close to my heart. It allows young people to try a wide range of adaptations and driving controls, test drive accessible vehicles and even helps with a first vehicle choice. I will be at the event for all three days and will be available to chat to visitors regarding my experiences. I hope I can inspire some people to do whatever they want to do, regardless of their disability. Only by visiting this event have I been able to get to my privileged position in motorsport. The Mobility Roadshow & Get Going Live! events illustrate to all people, young and old, that even with a disability, it can be easy to get driving and remain independent with the right specialist products and solutions.”
www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk
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